India men’s Ice Hockey team cleared for Asian Winter Games 2025; IHAI and IOA say team confirmed
India men’s Ice Hockey team cleared for Asian Winter Games 2025; IHAI and IOA say team confirmed
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has approved the participation of the men’s ice hockey team in the Asian Winter Games, scheduled to be held in Harbin, China, from February 7 to 14, 2025.
The men’s team, one of three invited for the tournament, had previously not received approval from the Centre. Consequently, Dr PT Usha, president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), wrote to the Sports Ministry, requesting a reconsideration of the decision.
“I am directed to say that it has been decided with the approval of the competent authority that the Ice Hockey Team (Men) will participate in the Asian Winter Games 2025,” V. V. K. K. T. Bangararaju, the sports director, stated in a letter dated January 24.
However, uncertainty remains regarding the finalised team for the Winter Asiad.
According to the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI), which is affiliated with the International Ice Hockey Association (IIHF) and the IOA, the final list of players has been confirmed and is set to travel to China.
“The selection process was conducted in accordance with the guidelines and standards established by these organisations. The names of the selected team members were entered in the registration system of the Winter Games as per the deadline of 7 December 2024, and no fresh names can be added to the system,” Dr Usha wrote in a letter to the Centre, seen by Sportstar.
“… it is submitted that the team, as selected by the duly recognised NSF (National Sports Federation) of the IOA and IIHF, be cleared and financial sanction be accorded so that the IOA is enabled to make travel, clothing, and equipment arrangements,” Dr Usha further stated.
According to the Sports Ministry’s letter, however, two lists were submitted “from different bodies, neither of which is a recognised NSF of Ice Hockey.”
“Therefore, in the given circumstances, to ensure that the best team comprising the most suitable and fit players represents the country in the forthcoming Asian Winter Games, in the public interest, it has been decided that the Sports Authority of India may conduct selection trials immediately at Leh, where most of the ice hockey players have gathered for the Khelo India Winter Games,” the Sports Ministry wrote.
As a result, selection trials for the men’s ice hockey team are scheduled to take place on January 25 at the Nwang Dorjay Stobdan Stadium at 6:00 pm.
